Celiac Disease Screening
Reviewed
Also called: celiac disease antibody test, anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody (anti-tTG), deaminated gliadin peptide antibodies, anti-endomysial antibodies
This blood test looks for antibodies to gluten to help diagnose or monitor celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten. It is used when symptoms (e.g., digestive issues, fatigue, rash) or risk factors (e.g., family history) are present. Results are reported as negative, positive, or uncertain/indeterminate. A positive result means you probably have celiac disease, but confirmation with further tests is often needed. Preparation depends on whether the test is for diagnosis (continue eating gluten) or monitoring (no special preparation).
Specimen: Blood
Why this test may be ordered
- To help diagnose celiac disease in people with symptoms or risk factors.
- To monitor celiac disease and see if a gluten-free diet is relieving symptoms.
Preparation and collection
If this test is being used to diagnose celiac disease, you must continue to eat foods with gluten for a few weeks before testing. If it is being used to monitor celiac disease, no special preparation is needed.
blood draw
There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.
Understanding results
The test looks for antibodies to gluten in your blood. Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider. Typical result patterns include:
- Negative: You probably don't have celiac disease. Limitation: A negative result means you probably don't have celiac disease, but a false negative can occur if you are not eating gluten regularly before testing. Next step: If symptoms persist, discuss further evaluation with your provider.
- Positive: You probably do have celiac disease. Limitation: A positive result means you probably have celiac disease, but additional tests (e.g., biopsy, genetic testing) may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. Next step: Your provider may order other tests to confirm that you have celiac disease and/or to see how much damage the disease may have caused. These may include a biopsy of the small intestine or skin, capsule endoscopy, genetic testing, or tests for related health problems such as anemia or osteoporosis.
- Uncertain or Indeterminate: It is unclear whether you have celiac disease. Limitation: Uncertain results do not provide a clear diagnosis and may require further evaluation. Next step: Your provider may recommend additional testing or repeat testing after eating gluten.
- A positive result means you probably have celiac disease, but additional tests (e.g., biopsy, genetic testing) may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
- A negative result means you probably don't have celiac disease, but a false negative can occur if you are not eating gluten regularly before testing.
- Uncertain results do not provide a clear diagnosis and may require further evaluation.
What to do next
If your results are positive or uncertain, your provider may order other tests such as a small intestine biopsy, capsule endoscopy, genetic testing, or tests for related health problems (e.g., anemia, osteoporosis).
- What symptoms or risk factors led to this test being ordered?
- Should I continue eating gluten before the test?
- What do my results mean for my diet and follow-up care?